Chapter Text
The silence is getting quite uncomfortable for Hyunjin.
People are gathering, slowly. Hyunjin fights the urge to roll her eyes at the sight of rich men with presumptuous smiles. Their eyes are fixed on the princesses like the two are the most beautiful deer in the forest and they just cannot withhold their excitement to hunt them. The taste it all leaves in Hyunjin's mouth isn't a pleasant one.
She switches her eyes on the people of the lower class who are standing at the door, afraid to step inside. Although the King never created the impression that the poor people aren't welcomed into the throne room or the castle in general, people still seem to have the idea that they must know their place. Hyunjin is one of them, too. And speaking of the King:
His Majesty's face doesn't betray any loss of patience but for some reason, Hyunjin could feel it. Or maybe is it her own? It might as well be. Her presence had been requested, along with two other knights--that belong to a lower rank than hers--early in the morning. After all, reasonable. Hyunjin was the Knight Commander and this event could prove itself dangerous. A feast where presumably the royal family could leave their guards down a slippery moment in which they enjoy themselves more than they should. But she's here, Hyejoo is here, too. Nothing will happen to them. She's ready to give her life to make sure that the previous statement remains a truth. The family doesn't deserve to go through that again.
The King is settled down in the middle, on the big metallic throne. He takes a glance at the empty spot next to him. Hyunjin knows he'd wished she was there with him, now.
He motioned with a movement of the hand, for his son--the eldest of his children--to sit down. The Prince denied politely, shaking his head and closing his eyes for a second. Hyunjin heard him saying he's in a bit of a hurry so he'll be leaving shortly after the announcement.
"Announcement?"
On the left there are seated his beautiful daughters, Princess Heejin and her little sister, Princess Chaewon. Hyunjin makes eye contact with the massive wolf that is, as expected, by Chaewon's side. The Princess's hand playing with one of Hye's ears.
Hyunjin smiles. Smiles at the sight of her sister's beautiful wolf eyes connecting with hers from across the room. And smiles at the memory that's creeping through Hyunjin's mind.
The image is as endearing now, as it was back then.
When not more than 3 years old Chaewon had been given a small wolf by her parents, despite the elderly's worries, that the animal will end up hurting her.
Hyunjin remembers thinking that it was--and still, will probably be-- the opposite, when Princess Chaewon's little fingers were enveloped around Hyejoo's small ear, pulling it a bit too hard for the wolf's liking, not realizing she's slightly hurting her animal. Hyunjin also remembers chuckling at Hyejoo's face of displeasure but also obedience and loyalty.
In a way, she had always admired Hyejoo's patience with the youngest Princess. Hyunjin knows Hyejoo must love her, much deeper than she's aware of. And hopes that one day, Hyejoo would find the courage to tell her who she is. There is also some dust of egoism in Hyunjin's wish. Hyejoo, unlike Yerim--their other sister--, has the privilege to change from her wolf form to her human form whenever she pleases. But, she does it so rarely... Hyunjin fears she might not even know how to function as a human. She'd wish Hyejoo would spend more time with her.
Since their parents have passed away, with the King taking Yerim under his roof, too, Hyunjin had come to feel lonely. Although she has a room in the castle, when she comes back from her duty, there is no one to welcome her. The furniture is plain and the room is dead silent. The only day in the month that Yerim can fully be by her side, isn't enough for Hyunjin. Although the cat runs to her, at night--despite Hyunjin's scolding that she shouldn't leave Princess Heejin's side so often--having cat Yerim play around and sleep on top of the blanket, looking like a ball of fur, isn't the same as seeing beautiful human Yerim's face, hearing her voice and giggles, receiving her hugs that make Hyunjin feel like she's almost back into her mother's arms with how familiar the feeling is.
She's dragged out of her daydream by His Majesty's voice, her head snapping onto the direction of the sound. Hyunjin realizes she's missed a portion of his speech.
"-thank you, and for the reason we've all gathered here tonight... My 20 years old daughter had come to me the other day, confessing that she is ready to offer her hand in marriage."
The room had been filled with audible gasps. Hyunjin remained silent but agreed that that was a suitable reaction. Princess Heejin was gorgeous, to say the least. Long black hair that complimented her light skin. Soft round eyes, almost sensual. Eye-catching drew lips with the most alluring shade of pink. Two small moles giving each cheek a kiss, from a side to the other. Yes, absolutely gorgeous, Hyunjin asserts.
"But, there is one condition, and as easy as it might sound, my daughter assures me that it will give a proper challenge. Whoever catches my daughter's cat, and brings it to me, will be rewarded with her hand. Although, you will have to receive my approval as well. And it is a must to add that, there will only be one attempt a day. I cannot have dozens of people running after one small creature. Anyone that feels confident to try, will be assigned to a date. If you cannot catch it that day, your second chance is casted away."
Hyunjin is baffled. She becomes aware of her surprised expression only after Princess Heejin looks back and locks her eyes with Hyunjin's agitated ones. There is something in the Heejin's look that confuses Hyunjin. She cannot decipher it and before the air gets its chance to become thicker, Hyunjin looks away.
The noise is fading away with each second Hyunjin starts to understand the event that occurred a couple of nights ago...
Hyunjin, out of all three of them, is the only one that cannot change into another creature. However, she is not entirely powerless. She can enter their minds and see through their eyes if Yerim or Hyejoo allow her to. With Yerim, this has never been a problem, but with Hyejoo... The girl is the opposite of the open box that Yerim is.
And if there is a more powerful emotion that they're going through, Hyunjin can sense it.
The latest incident happened only a few night times ago, Hyunjin was sitting at the small chunky table situated next to the window of her room--because Hyunjin gets bored rapidly so eating where she can see the guards patrolling outside is an improvement, rather than watching the same inanimate objects, that gather another layer of dust with each passing day, stare back at her. Focusing more on the big piece of bread, that was still warm--she loves hot bread, it tastes better than anything-- and leaving the mashed potatoes for later. She will not ruin the wonderful taste of fresh bread by mixing it with something else.
And as she was standing there, eyes accustoming to see the back yard better, Hyunjin felt her heart racing, out of a sudden. Her whole body got into alert mode, grabbing the edges of the table roughly, Hyunjin closed her eyes to help her focus and requested access from Yerim. Hyejoo would've been next if Yerim was fine.
Although, Yerim was fine.
"Seriously, Yerimie? You got into this state because you're shy ?" Hyunjin whispered to no one in particular.
There Yerim was--and now, Hyunjin too--standing on a chair in front of Heejin's bed, while Heejin was staring at her intensely, not saying a word, only regarding the feline. It was only after several moments spent into Yerim's head, that Hyunjin apprehended why Yerim's heart was beating like crazy. Heejin's eyes were magnetic, hypnotizing.
Hyunjin felt like Heejin's stare stepped beyond Yerim, and was looking now directly at Hyunjin. The latter was having a difficult time distinguishing if the rapid heartbeat was still Yerim's or it was her own.
" What is she thinking about? " Hyunjin wondered.
"Choerry?" Heejin finally voiced calmly, startling the both of them. Yerim watched her for another second.
"You will forgive me for this, right? You're pretty energic, it'll be fun for you, I hope."
The cat did not answer, and the last thing Hyunjin felt before being expelled from Yerim's mind, was confusion.
"So this is what Princess Heejin was thinking about." Hyunjin thought to herself while continuing to observe the people chatting loudly, allowing her eyes to pause at the back of Heejin's head, for reasons unknown to her.
-----
It rained every day for a week. And every day there was some loonatic running after Yerim on the castle's halls or through the back yard, and sometimes through some unused rooms.
It amused Hyunjin. "That's a girl, idiot, not a simple animal. She's probably smarter than you."she recalls thinking at some point.
The effort was almost worthy of appreciation. Almost. They were setting up traps, amateurish ones, too. A box supported by a stick at a 55 degrees angle, with some big, obvious rope tied around the wood, ready to capture Yerim under it, wasn't going to do the job.
And if that wasn't plain ridiculous, to begin with, on the fourth day, one of them--an actual lord, dressed in clothing that surely costed more than Hyunjin's whole garderobe--had the luck to catch a rat. Too bad, Hyunjin thinks. He meant serious business, judging by the way he stood after a corner, crouching; focused; ears pointed to hear even the slightest sound, ready to pull the rope using inhuman speed. But then again, no man who yells like that, at the sight of a simple rat, is good enough for Princess Heejin.
If Hyunjin were to spare the girl more than a thought, she'd form an idea that she needs someone brave. By the way she carries herself-- although sometimes she'll get angry, she'd still look as harmless as possible--joyously, smiling shyly at everyone who spares her a dashing look, playing with her sister, often giggling uncontrollably and clapping everytime she does so-- Hyunjin can remark that someone ready to kill anyone for Heejin but never lay a hand on her, is a good suitor.
----
After some failed with the box-trap, they dropped the idea altogether. They had only one day and they should make the most of it. Sitting around, waiting will not have the best outcome.
And on top of that, Hyunjin knows it would take more than a cheap trick to even touch Yerim. The girl had too much energy. Hyunjin would've added "for her own good" but this time, it was used to her advantage.
Some tried with food the following week. And some? Some were getting quite creative. Bragging to the knights about the mixture of unheard rare plants supposedly made by the greatest witch in the kingdom, having the purpose to indulge a heavy sleeping session when smelled upon. Less to anyone surprise, the same knights found the possessor of the potion passed out next to a wall. Yerim sitting right in front of him, observing the man in an almost mocking manner, as one of the knights had told Hyunjin.
Two weeks had passed in the same chaotic manner.
Each man ended up sulking at the end of their day. Clearly, no one in this realm knows how to approach a cat. Except for Hyunjin. Even if that wasn't Yerim, she'd still find a way to step into the cat's nearness. She's just always had a great connection with animals.
Speaking of her being better than most men, a sudden and unwelcomed feeling of arrogance intrudes her body. She could win this whole thing with her eyes closed if she wanted to.
But why is she even thinking about this? What good is she to Princess Heejin? What is there for her to offer? Not only that, but she'd be the only woman to try, too. And whilst on most occasions, she loved being equal to men, this time, she's not sure Heejin would even want that.
She's not sure she'd want Heejin to want that.
----
The next time the royal family and the other lords of the nearby lands gather to discuss some matters, a particular figure decides to stand up.
Son Jungeun.
From behind the royal family's chairs, Hyunjin can perfectly see the one who's supposedly a challenge lover. Her eyes falling on the chocolate-like hair, traveling down to her piercing gaze and smug smile. A smile directed to Heejin. A smile that practically screamed "You're going to be mine, soon."
Never, in her life, has Hyunjin ever felt a single drop of jealousy, but here she was, clenching her teeth, aware of the unamused face she's displaying.
She doesn't fully understand why her body is reacting like that upon seeing Son Jungeun stand in front of the royal family, touching the cold floor with one knee, looking like she's already ready to propose to Heejin. Why she fights the urge to roll her eyes to the other side of her head so hard that they most definitely won't find their way back when Jungeun announces in that undeniably swooning voice of hers that she'll like a chance in catching Yerim.
Hyunjin exhales slowly on her nose and conflicted, she wishes Yerim will do her best this time.
Now, why would she even think that? It's not like she wants to try it herself. She doesn't want to be with Heejin at all. And if Hyunjin's being honest, Jungeun seems to be perfect. By her posture, Hyunjin can tell she's a good fighter, maybe. Although, her well-defined shoulders do make Hyunjin think that she could be an archer instead.
Wealthy, too. Judging by the heavily embroidered black jacket and by the spotless, leather boots. In the pocket of the jacket, a shiny golden object pokes out... Is that a cross? Religious? Hyunjin wonders.
She decides that Jungeun is a cultist and it's settled. No cultist deserves Princess Heejin.
She's cheeky, too. Winking at Heejin after the deal is sealed.
Hyunjin can't see Heejin's face since she's staying behind her chair but is sure the girl's a shy mess. As she often is, easily embarrassed by any show of affection or courting. And oh, how Jungeun is enjoying her effect on Heejin. Smiling like she owns the whole world.
Hyunjin is annoyed and just wants the day to be over.
------
Excusing herself from the other knights--who still had a good amount of energy left and decided to spend it by crossing paths with the nearest tavern. And who still bothered to ask Hyunjin to come with them, although the girl seemed off--Hyunjin dragged her legs, one by one, in heavy steps towards her chamber. The black boots echoing loudly on the castle's hall, them being the only sound present.
Until... another sound joined.
"Meow"
Hyunjin smiled, eyes closing tiredly and opening in the same manner. She turns around to see Yerim taking hurried steps towards her. She moved her little paws in such fluidity that made her look like she's more likely dancing than walking.
"Yerimie" Hyunjin squeals as she picks the cat up and smashes their cheeks together, moving her head to rub them, too.
"How are you, baby?" Hyunjin asks her, to which Yerim lets out a grumpy meow.
"You're tired? Why don't we go back to my room? You can get some sleep there." Taking Yerim's gesture of letting her little head fall on Hyunjin's shoulder as an affirmative answer, the girl turns around to continue the walk to her room.
However, the Universe had other plans for an already barely functioning Hyunjin.
Her eyes widened and she fought the urge to release her hands from Yerim and let the cat fall down.
Heejin was staring at her, mouth slightly open and now Hyunjin was mirroring the same expression.
The blue light from the uprising moon was kissing Heejin's face, giving her the allure of a ghost and terrifying Hyunjin to the same length as an actual one.
Before Hyunjin could gather the courage to say something, anything, Heejin beat her to it.
"You... Caught it" She breathed out, her voice a mixture of surprise and.. Relief? Maybe not relief, Hyunjin is too tired to figure out subtle things.
"No" Hyunjin started.
"What?"
She put Yerim down and stood up, addressing to Heejin once again.
"I did not."
"But.."
"You have zero proof of that"
Heejin eyed her with open mouth.
"I saw you! That is proof."
"No offense, my lady, but is it enough?" She wasn't trying to sound rude, the irritation of the crappy day she had was still lingering, but her words came out seemingly calculated that Heejin had easily mistaken then as such.
"Of course it is" Heejin answered back, visibly offended. "My word is trusted"
Hyunjin contemplated for a second if she should continue this little argument. Speaking in that tone and with such words towards the royal family would definitely have some negative impact. But she also did not want to marry Heejin.
"And what if I deny it? Wouldn't it seem like you're forcing your best knight into something they hadn't agreed on?" She calmly responded.
Heejin narrowed her eyes at her, clenching her tiny fists. Hyunjin could feel the tension rising but there was no going back now.
"Very well. Nobody will force you into doing anything you don't want to. Go ahead, knight ." She gestured to Hyunjin to move along, face unreadable.
"I apologize for being rude" Hyunjin started...
"Don't. A false apology is not at all comforting, nor well received. Good night, Sir Hyunjin."
She, then, took one step closer and raised a surprised Yerim from the ground, taking her into her arms and turned around, entering her own room without sparing Hyunjin another look.
For some reason, that night, Hyunjin felt even more lonely than in the usual ones.
-----
The following days are undesirably filled with this Son Jungeun. Hyunjin wonders what world has she landed from. She could swear she had never seen Jungeun's face before and now, it feels like she's everywhere.
As part of her job, Hyunjin had to attend every gathering and festivity. To the fighting related ones, her opinion would be asked, but as much as for casual celebrations, she was there just as a guard, for protection and observation.
So this is the reason Hyunjin is forced to see this Jungeun's obvious flirtations towards Princess Heejin. Her day to catch Yerim hasn't even come yet--Hyunjin recalls hearing a servant mentioning it'll be in two days.
And if before, her exchange of gazes with Heejin would come out accidentally, now the girl seems to fight for it to happen.
When Jungeun tells a joke and Heejin laughs a bit too enthusiastically, she never fails to look around until she's firmly sure Hyunjin had caught the scene.
But if Hyunjin were to give Heejin a piece of her mind, she'd tell her to be careful, not to give Jungeun any ideas.
It would be too late now, anyway. As she already saw the surprise in Heejin's eyes when Jungeun got touchy out of a sudden. And entering a little too much into her nearness, using it as an excuse to pass a whisper.
By the looks of it, Jungeun seems like someone who just wants to win the prize but will dispose of it the moment she gets it.
And while Hyunjin can't find an explanation for Heejin's behaviour, she still has to ensure she'll be safe in the end. And oh how much would she enjoy putting Jungeun to her place, if she ever were to do something reckless.
-----
Hyunjin was glad she accepted the invitation of the other knights for a late-night drink. Otherwise, she wouldn't have heard the gossip.
A few days had passed, nearly a week, without too many encounters with the royal family. The things seemed peaceful. The king spent his time with the council, his son practicing archery and his daughters on their normal easy routine: walking through the garden with Hyejoo or reading in the library or playing cardboard games into their rooms (As Yerim had shown Hyunjin once).
"Hyunjin" Seungcheol tried to get her attention. She turned her head to him, raising her eyebrows curiously. He was the closest thing to a friend Hyunjin had. They've known each other for many years and not once, had he treated her badly. Nor had he ever stood a chance against her if it was the case. "Did you hear about that guest?" His gummy smile almost tricking Hyunjin in giving him one of her own.
She took a second to watch his idiotic face while searching into her memory for any information of a guest.
Upon seeing the puzzled expression Hyunjin was giving him, Seungcheol explained.
"Son Jungeun."
"What about her?" the annoyance was present in her voice. She looked down at the cup of beer she barely drank out and was silently praying for the night not to screw itself over.
"She failed with the kitty."
She's not sure what face she made that pushed him to continue.
"Yeah and that's not all. Apparently, she asked from Princess Heejin to plead the king to give her another shot" His voice barely a whisper now. As if it was forbidden even to think about it.
"And did she?"
"No, the Princess refused."
"Why would she refuse?"
"I don't know. Maybe she wanted to play fair. If one goes around asking for another chance, everyone else will ask for it" He shrugged, moving back to his mug.
Hyunjin did not bother to entertain the topic further, her thoughts sinking back to one particular girl that's been wandering through Hyunjin's mind a little too much, these past few weeks.
"Was it really fairness that compelled Princess Heejin to refuse?"
"So does anyone else wants to try in catching the cat?" One of them asked loudly, pulling her out of her own head.
"Please, can we talk about something else? This is the only subject you've discussed for the past few weeks" Another one commented, fingers coming in contact with his temples.
Hyunjin can understand his irritation but she's not sure she's ready to move on to the other chapter. As it will annoy her even more, seeing Heejin flirt with the future spouse around the castle and the gardens. And certainly, she's not ready for the wedding. That'll be so big, every kingdom will have heard of it. Or so she thinks.
"Very well, sorry. Let's focus on something else" the first one was quick to add. "Like this new pack of cards I've bought! How about we play some rounds?"
------
She's not sure what time it is. It's not too late, as the tavern hasn't closed yet and Jiwoo, the owner, closes it at midnight. But it is late enough for the darkness to surround the world and for the castle to be empty. As well as the streets she had already passed on her way home.
She's not feeling as tired as the last few days but there is certainly something in her stomach bugging her. A feeling she can't quite put her finger on.
The steps she's taking are light, emanating almost no sound and she's wondering why is there the need to be precautious.
That, until her instincts prove to be right.
The moment she passes the library she hears a suspicious exchange of words. Not loud enough but not whispered either. Since the two men who are in there are fair convinced they're alone.
Hyunjin wouldn't have stopped if it wasn't for two particular words—that when brought together to join a sentence, even if it's for the first time in her life that, that happens—terrify her every bone.
"-ordered to poison the cat?"
"Yes, a kitchen boy was sent after her. It should reach it any moment now. If they didn't already. I am not sure about the location."
"No"
Hyunjin shuts her eyes forcefully, desperate to concentrate faster than she ever had, in attempt to reach Yerim.
"Come on Yerimie, let me see where you are"
When her eyes and her mind remain black for another full, agonising seconds, she starts running.
Not caring about the possibility that the lords could hear her, she hits the boots harshly on the ground, fastening them with each passing step. Her heart beating rapidly on her chest, tears threatening to escape. She can't lose Yerim. She needs to find her.
Hyunjin is willing to barge into every room that castle has. Every house that's near. Hell, every house that's far away too.
She doesn't care for whatever consequences might follow, nothing would be as bad as losing Yerim.
The kitchen was the first place she thought of checking. Empty. Just like every room that came before and after. Empty. Empty. She was getting desperate, even wanting to ask for Heejin's help in finding her cat.
Hitting her back against a wall, she closed her eyes once again.
"Please, Yerimie, show me"
And when she opened them, she was no longer glued to the wall. The world was viewed from a small, fluffy creature's eyes.
It took Hyunjin no more than two seconds to recognise where they were, in the great room where lords dine whenever there's an official gathering. A blonde boy, with a skinny figure was pushing a plate in front of her, on the floor. Backing up slowly, after, but watching her still.
Hyunjin couldn't stay there anymore. Yerim had no idea she's in danger, Hyunjin could feel it.
The time-lapse between point A and point B was no longer registered by Hyunjin. She doesn't know how much it took her to break into the room but the moment she reached it, she kicked the door with her leg and screamed:
"Don't you dare make another movement!" she addressed both the boy and the cat.
She looked down at Yerim, heart beating wildly into her chest. Her sister was right next to the plate but it seemed that nothing was disturbed off it. She made it on time.
Picking up a confused Yerim, she snapped her head towards the boy, whose eyes were expressing pure terror.
Anger took over her and impulsively, Hyunjin took the sword out—using her right hand, while keeping Yerim close to her chest with the other—and before the boy knew what's happening, he had the sword up to the side of his neck, keeping him stuck in between the sharp blade and the wall. His whole body started shaking uncontrollably. Hyunjin knew he probably was forced to do such thing and this is why she must get answers out of him.
"You should start saying your last words if you have any. I'll make sure to deliver them to your family" Her voice betrayed no emotion and she could feel Yerim's eyes on her.
"Sir Hyunjin, I swear it on my mother's life, I..."
"You what?"
"I didn't wish to do that."
"But you were gonna do it anyways"
"They threatened me!" he sobbed.
"Who are they?"
"I do not know, Sir" Hyunjin pushed the sword into his neck a little more and a small cut was forming, few drops of blood greasing the metal.
"They!" he screamed in fear but calmed himself a second later and continued "They came up to me when I was finishing in the kitchen. I did not see a face, they came from behind me and a hand was placed over my eyes. I feared for my life and I asked who it was. They told me just their initials. K. J. And said they can reach my family if I don't comply. I had no other choice, I swear. Please, Sir, believe me. They told me the exact address of my household and that my mom was alone. I knew they weren't playing around"
"Was it a man? More than one?"
"Just a single person but the voice wasn't recognisable."
"Sir Hyunjin?" the last person Hyunjin would've wanted to see her in this situation spoke from behind the boy.
Startled, she puts the sword down, staring terrified at the King. The realization quickly hitting her.
"You wish to marry my daughter so much that you're willing to take a man's life for it?" He laughs.
And exactly what she feared came to reality. The King had misunderstood the situation.
"Your Grace" she breaths. "This is not what it looks like."
He watches her silently, waiting for the explanation, which Hyunjin gladly offers to him.
The boy looks like he's about to pass out any second now and Hyunjin is quick to add a very important detail—he's been threatened—so he can go home to his mother without Hyunjin, figuratively, having his blood on her hands.
The King listens carefully to what she's saying to him and after she's done, he whispers something to the boy and sets him off.
And now that there are just the two of them—and Yerim—left, Hyunjin is the one who almost starts shaking. This time, she has gotten herself into a situation she simply cannot outrun.
"I'll let my daughter know first thing in the morning." he simply says. A sentence full of implications.
Hyunjin closes her eyes for a second. She'll marry Princess Heejin. The King's words are the most trustful. There is no other proof needed.
She caught the cat.
She sees him turning around and speaks, a little bit too loud, but there's no going back now.
"But! Your Grace... I am not sure I fit the criteria.." she takes the reasonable route. He turns around, a line forming in between her eyebrows.
"And what would that be?"
"I'm a woman, Your Grace"
His irises grow darker and he sighs before replying. "And when had that ever mattered to me?" Never, she knows it. She's trained with the boys all her life. He has other female knights, despite being heavily judged by lords and other royal families from the neighbor kingdoms. Any female can do a man's job without The King disapproving of her wishes. Someone's gender simply did not matter to him and Hyunjin suddenly felt stupid for denying the obvious.
"Never, Your Grace" she let her head fall. What was there to say?
He soundly sighed, once more and took a step closer to her. Waiting for her to meet his eyes before speaking.
"Hyunjin, your father would be so happy to see you become part of the family. I loved him, in more ways than one. He was my guardian, he was my friend and I believe that he also was the love of my life. Keep in mind that what I'm telling you now must never surface.. "
Hyunjin nodded.
"We couldn't be together for long, I had a duty to fulfill for my kingdom, as future kind. And our parents were completely against such thing. I still remember his face when I claimed, in front of everyone, that nothing has happened between us. I broke his heart that day, and I broke mine too. And I took it upon myself not to let my children go through the same difficulty as we did. If Heejin has no problem in loving a woman, why should I?"
She knew the story. She has heard it many times before. Her father never stopped loving the Kind. They both got married, and even Hyunjin's mother understood that the place she was holding in her husband's heart, was shared with Heejin's father.
Thinking of Heejin.
"But she doesn't love me, Your Grace." she murmurs.
"Not now, maybe. But you'd be surprised."
"Surprised by what?"
"By how much two people who are brought together can fall in love."
And after receiving one small nod from Hyunjin, he turned around and walked to the door. "I knew it was going to be you" He searches for her eyes one last time. "Yerim is your sister after all." And with that, he exits the room.